News Briefs: NTHS has new Athletic Hall of Honor class; County reopens tax appeals; Oakton to host Saturday fundraiser to support many local charities

The New Trier Athletic Department recently announced its 2025-’26 Athletic Hall of Honor class, featuring Chip Carpenter, Dr. Richard Sherman, Robert Spagnoli and Dr. Linda Yonke.

Carpenter was an assistant boys basketball and boys golf coach for more than three decades; Sherman has served for 25 years as the team doctor during Trevians football games; Spagnoli retired in 2022 after 32 seasons coaching New Trier girls track and field and football; and Yonke, the school’s superintendent from 2006-2017, “was a steadfast supporter” of NTHS athletics, according to a release from the school.

The four inductees will be honored on Feb. 6, 2026, when New Trier boys and girls basketball host Glenbrook South in Winnetka.

The New Trier Athletic Hall of Honor was launched in the 2018-’19 school year and so far has inducted 30 former NTHS athletics contributors.

Cook County reopens tax appeals

According to a news release this week, the Cook County Board of Review will reopen all townships that have already closed for the 2025 appeal session, giving taxpayers an additional opportunity to file property tax appeals.

Taxpayers in several previously closed townships, including New Trier, Northfield and Evanston, can appeal from Dec. 3-12 with evidence due by Dec. 22. More information is available online and will be announced during a Dec. 3 press conference in Chicago.

The appeal extension follows “unprecedented circumstances,” which led to a four-month delay in the mailing of property tax bills.

The Board of Review, which hears appeals of the assessed values set by the Cook County Assessor’s Office, normally provides taxpayers with a 30-day filing window.

The second installment of property tax bills are typically mailed on July 1, but instead were sent on Nov. 14.

The release said the delay “placed unexpected financial pressure on many households.”

“The ability to file an appeal even though deadlines have closed will be a huge step in helping as many taxpayers as possible exercise their rights,” Commissioner Samantha Steele said in the release. “This year in particular, we have to be creative in finding ways to make the property tax system accessible to as many people as we can. Re-opening all townships ensures more residents have the chance to challenge their assessed value and potentially lessen their tax burden.”

For more information, email Clare.Kownacki@CookCountyil.gov.

Fight hunger at Oakton’s Empty Bowls fundraiser

Support a number of local nonprofits at Oakton College’s Empty Bowls fundraiser from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, 600 E. Golf Road, in the gymnasium and Performing Arts Center lobby.

Admission to the event is free; though with a $20 donation, guests can make a handcrafted bowl to take home and enjoy a soup lunch while supporting those facing food insecurity through these organizations: Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Pantry, Interfaith Action of Evanston, Maine Township Food Pantry, New Trier Township Food Pantry, Niles Township Food Pantry and Northfield Township Food Pantry. Funds will also support Oakton’s Caring Closet, where Oakton students can access food and self-care items free of charge.

“Many residents are feeling the impact of increased food insecurity, especially after the recent SNAP delays caused by the government shutdown,” said Katherine Sawyer, Oakton College chief advancement officer. “That’s why this year’s event feels even more important. Our Ceramics Club has worked all year to create bowls and other art pieces to help community members experiencing food insecurity.”

The event is hosted by the Oakton College Educational Foundation and Ceramics Club. For more information about the event, email emptybowls@oakton.edu.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.